Tektronix Surplus continues to be a terrific stop for any scrounger. In fact, it's safe to say that I have never
left empty-handed or dissatisfied, and that's saying something where
the surplus arena is concerned. My most recent visit was no exception.
It netted me a nice HP function generator, and some DIP IC insertion
pliers (which, for whatever reason, are nearly impossible to find these
days).

Get ready for a surprise. I don't usually take more
than a storefront photo or two of any given location, but I've chosen
to make an exception in the case of Tek Surplus. This is because the
new store location is laid out very differently from the old one, and
contains some hazards for the unwary scrounger.

BUILDING ENTRY...

The new entryway is much narrower than the old one,
and does not open directly into the store as it did in Building 38.
Once you go in, be prepared to take a near-immdiate left turn into the
store entrance. This first photo was taken looking into the store from
said doorway.

THE TEST GEAR...

The very first stop you are likely to want to make is
the main test gear area. Take another look at the picture above, on the
left side. See the doorframe just beyond the breaker panel? That's the
entrance to the test gear area, so you'll be making a left into the
store and then another immediate left. This next photo is what it looks
like from the door.

WARNING! This room is a lot smaller than the original test gear areas at Bldg. 38!

Be careful when maneuvering around in there,
especially when you're hauling equipment, as it will be very easy to
injure yourself or someone else.

The Dock...

The store now has a large 'dock' area where the
bigger stuff, like furniture, equipment racks, and assorted shelving
all go. This is what it looks like as you walk straight forward from
the store's entry door.

To the left side of the entry door, past the test
equipment room, you will find a number of shelves and tables containing
coaxial adapters, specialized cables, probes, probe parts, and other
small components. This is a partial shot of what it looks like.

Finally, to the right of the main entry door,
and just behind the edge of the sales counter, you will find an area
dedicated to computer hardware and software. This is also where you may
find operating and service manuals for Tek-related goodies. This is
what it looks like.

The Holding Area...

Refer back, once again, to the first interior
picture. See the shelving racks in the right portion of the shot,
against the back wall? Those are the 'Hold' shelves where you can park
your purchases until you're ready to check out. As I've mentioned
before, the shoppers are very well behaved, and will respect your pile
if you respect theirs. Your item might get nudged, or stared it
(sometimes enviously), but it is not likely to be disturbed.

With that said, I will add that Tek Surplus is the
type of store where if you see something you even THINK might be
interesting or useful to you, GRAB IT AND STICK IT IMMEDIATELY ON THE
'HOLD' SHELF and inspect or test it later! I absolutely guarantee that
you will have some "Frell, I missed out!" moments if you don't do this.

Like some other surplus stores, Tek Surplus is one
where you really need to be a regular if you're going to get the most
out of them. It already has a healthy crowd of regulars, many of whom
are experts in electronics engineering and test gear. Don't be afraid
to act like a falcon swooping in on its prey if you see something you
like, because the regulars will most certainly do so!

THE BAD NEWS...

There are a couple of negatives about the new place.
First, there are NO restrooms available except to Tektronix employees.
None! Don't be drinking that quart-size Big Gulp before opening time,
or you will find yourself rushing to the shopping plaza to the west of
the campus at the most inconvenient moment possible!

Second: As mentioned above, the new test gear room is
dangerously small. I've said as much to the store's management, and
they are all too aware of the problem. Unfortunately, they were not
given a lot of choice when they got moved. Just be careful when you're
perusing in there, and don't go in at all when its crowded if you're
claustrophobic.

The Bottom Line ...

Early arrival is still the best policy. Get there at
least 1.5 hours BEFORE public opening time (in other words, no later
than 12:30 local), bring a book and/or some lunch (there's a Subway in
the shopping plaza, barely five minutes away from the store), and be
prepared to wait. You can often pass the time chatting with the
regulars, and many of them have fascinating stories to tell.